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Structured Cabling Installation using a manlift

Structured cabling installation using a manlift can be a very daunting, but “uplifting” experience. Preparation and planning play a key role in completing the job in a safe and timely manner. There are a few important factors to remember while working on a manlift to do a structured cabling installation.

Safety is the primary issue. Cable Terminators requires the following safety precautions for any structured cabling installation using a manlift:

Two people needed for every job — one person on the ground and one person operating the lift

Five star safety harness — the lift operator is required to wear a safety harness unless the lift is completely caged in

Optional helmet — the ground person should wear some type of head protection, such as a hard hat

Cable placement — while installing the cable, all boxes or reels of cable being used should be placed in a safe location in view from all other heavy machinery in the area

Preparation and planning. Cable Terminators has been successful in finishing structured cabling using a manlift in a timely manner because they take pride in planning ahead:

Call ahead to ensure that a manlift is available and operational on site

Scope out the area and clear any obstacles that may prevent the manlift from easy maneuverability

Keep all cable and other job materials required in an easily accessible area for the manlift operator

Cabling procedure. Cable Terminators illustrates the best way to complete structured cabling installation using a manlift

While running cable, be sure the installer feeds the cable over water pipes, air ducts, and any other type of ceiling interference

J-hooks and beam clamps are used to help keep the cabling from resting on any permanent ceiling fixture

Depending on the job, Cable Terminators uses fiberglass poles or non-metallic pipe to aid in feeding the cables throughout the ceiling

When these safety, planning, and procedures are all followed, the structured cabling installation will be a breeze for your company to complete —

Data rack installation can be difficult and tiresome.

After Cable Terminators Michigan installed a data rack at Maxitrol in Southfield Michigan, they determined it would be helpful to others if they comprised a list of the data closet do’s and don’ts. Cable Terminators Michigan wants to improve everybody’s data rack installation. Below you will also see a picture of Maxitrol where Cable Terminators Michigan built and installed the data rack.

Data Closet Do’s and Don’ts

Have the proper equipment to build the rack

Make sure to get proper grounding bolts (Home Depot, Fastenal, etc)

Make sure to have a hammer drill readily available (drilling into a re-bar concrete floor is hard without one)

Rack must be easily accessible for cables management and installation purposes

DO NOT install a data rack within 3 feet of electrical equipment

DO NOT place rack in closed non aerated area (need ventilation)

DO NOT install a data rack in a small area with no room for expansion

DO NOT install a data rack in close quarters

8 Post Data Rack

Cable Terminators Michigan has made it a priority to maximize the amount of space used for a closet. Working with Telnet Group Inc., the two businesses put together an 8 post rack for Maxitrol in Southfield, Michigan. The 8 post rack easily has enough space for the hundred plus category 5e cables being addressed into this room. It also has enough space for the rest of their equipment. We all know how easily a 2 or 4 post rack can run out of room. Installing the proper amount of equipment per rack is also important. Cable Terminators Michigan believes in allowing enough room for adding easily so no problems will occur from someone bumping into the rack. Data racks have limits to weight. On top of that, most buildings do not know when they plan on expanding. Looking at Maxitrol, Cable Terminators Michigan installed a proper size rack for the facility. The data rack installation allows Cable Terminators Michigan to access behind the rack with little to no problem. Easy access means less mistakes, outages, and problems.

Data rack installation can create future problems or loss of service. These disconnects spawn from human mistakes during adding, changing, or operating inside the data closet. This is due to lack of room / movement inside a data closet.

If you are struggling with data rack installation, contact Cable Terminators Michigan today for a free quote and a look into your data rack installation needs.